My eyes open, and Scratch is on my chest, panting, sparkles in his eyes, ready to start this new day. After the morning routine of stretching, eating breakfast, and feeding Scratch, I go outside to tend to the animals.

  As I head outside, I notice the mailbox flag raised, signaling there’s something urgent inside. I open it to see a singular letter, written on the front: "Mom." I open up the letter to read:

  “Hello Dontae,Your father and I miss you. We have not heard from you in months. We know taking care of your slice of life isn't easy, however, next time you come to Lint City for a supply run, make sure to stop by. We have a surprise for you.Love, Mom.”

  Another gift. Are they trying to ease their guilt? I did not want to be here in the first place. I’m not sure if I even want to see them. It is getting better, but I am getting so mad just thinking about it. First, they gave me Scratch, thinking I would be too lonely. What makes me lonely is being left here in the middle of nowhere with animals to take care of all day, so I can't leave if I want to. Scratch is growing on me, but it’s not the same. He needs more help than anyone deserves.

  I hated this place even as a kid. I'm starting to understand why Grandpa never left. I start my day tending to the chickens—getting their eggs, making sure they're fed, and replacing their water. Then, I take care of the pigs, filling up their trough with yesterday's scraps, making sure their mud is nice and wet.

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  Maybe I do like the simple life, but it should not have been forced on me. I promised my parents I would take good care of his pet cow, Pinto. Why Pinto was his pet compared to all his other animals, I do not understand. I want to save enough to afford a bull to carry on her legacy, which is my grandpa’s in a way.

  Scratch may be a simple cat who loves attention, but caring for him comes with its hardships. I just wish it wasn't a struggle for him to move. I don't really know why my parents gave me him to live on a farm, especially with his breathing condition. He can only move so much before he tucks out.

  I continue to work when I see the clouds start rolling in. There must be some storm, so I get Pinto and the pigs into the barn, and all the chickens into their coop.

  I'm waiting inside, wiping the sweat off my brow, finishing another hard day’s worth of work. Scratch fell asleep on my bed, which I don’t usually allow, but he was just so tired there was no use in moving him. How could I move him? He looked so peaceful. For the first time in a long time, he does not sound like he is in pain, sleeping on a cloud of bliss and happiness.

  Inside the comfort of my own home, I see the storm starting to get closer. It looks more like a fog, but a fog of something I’ve never seen before, just swallowing the land and all the light that touches it, as if darkness is creeping in closer and closer.